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Portugal Squad for 2026 UEFA Nations League: Cristiano Ronaldo Likely to Feature in Autumn Matches

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup behind them, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are shifting focus to the 2030 cycle, starting with four group stage matches in the UEFA Nations League.

Ronaldo confirmed the recent World Cup would be his last tournament, where Portugal exited in the Round of 16 after a 1-0 loss to Spain, the eventual champions. Despite this, he has not ended his international career yet.

Portugal competes in League A and will face Wales, Denmark, and Norway during the September-October international window. Their schedule includes two clashes with Norway. Only the group winner advances to the Nations League semifinals, leaving no margin for mistakes.

Anticipated Portugal Lineup for Fall 2026 UEFA Nations League

The official squad announcement is expected on Friday, September 18. Unlike some countries that use autumn friendlies to test younger talent, Portugal is likely to select a strong team given the competitive stakes.

European nations generally field their best available players in these Nations League fixtures, unlike teams such as the United States who often try out fringe or emerging players in friendlies.

  • Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)
  • Defenders: Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Antonio Silva (Bournemouth), Renato Veiga (Villarreal)
  • Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham), Joao Neves (PSG), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Joao Palhinha (Benfica), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid), Vitinha (PSG)
  • Forwards: Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Rafael Leao (Galatasaray), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Goncalo Ramos (AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Al Ahli)

Will Ronaldo Join the Squad?

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to participate in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League matches this fall. Although he indicated that the 2026 World Cup would mark the end of his World Cup appearances, he has not yet retired from the national team.

With Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s former coach at Al Nassr, now leading the Portuguese national team, it seems very likely Ronaldo will receive a call-up.

Viewing Information for Portugal’s UEFA Nations League Matches

  • Portugal vs. Wales: Thursday, Sep. 24, 2:45 p.m. ET at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon – Fox Soccer Plus, streaming on fubo
  • Norway vs. Portugal: Sunday, Sep. 27, 2:45 p.m. ET at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo – Streaming on fubo and ViX (no TV)
  • Denmark vs. Portugal: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2:45 p.m. ET at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen – Streaming on fubo and ViX (no TV)
  • Portugal vs. Norway: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2:45 p.m. ET at Estadio Do Dragao, Porto – Fox Sports 2, streaming on fubo and ViX

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